Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light over Cd1−xZnxS solid solution with cubic zinc blend phase

A series of Cd1−xZnxS solid solutions were synthesized at 80 °C with the assistance of sodium dodecylsulfate. The structures, optical properties and morphologies of the solid solutions have been studied by X-ray diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The photocatalytic H2 evolution over the solid solutions under visible-light irradiation was investigated and the highest rate reached 2640 μmol h−1 g−1 even without any co-catalysts. The solid solution with optimum performance exhibited cubic structure rather than previously-reported hexagonal one and the possible reasons were discussed. Moreover, the effects of sacrificial reagents on the photocatalytic H2 evolution were explored by using Na2S solution with different concentration.